High refractive index aromatic-based siloxane monofunctional macromonomers

Abstract

Optically transparent, relatively high refractive index polymeric compositions and ophthalmic devices such as intraocular lenses, corneal inlays and contact lenses made therefrom are described herein. The preferred polymeric compositions are produced through the polymerization of one or more aromatic-based siloxane macromonomers or the copolymerization of one or more aromatic-based siloxane macromonomers with one or more non-siloxy aromatic-based monomers, non-aromatic-based hydrophobic monomers or non-aromatic-based hydrophilic monomers.

1. A method of using ophthalmic devices, said method comprising:
 implanting said ophthalmic device within an eye; 
 
       wherein said ophthalmic devices are manufactured from one or more polymeric compositions produced through a polymerization of one or more macromonomers having a formula of                  
 
       wherein the R groups are the same or different; each R group is selected from the group consisting of                  
                 
 
       R 1  is an aromatic-based substituent or an alkyl; x is a non-negative integer; and y is a natural number; 
       said polymerization being carried out by casting said one or more polymeric compositions in the form of a rod; lathing or machining said rod into disks; and lathing or machining said disks into ophthalmic devices. 
     
     
       2. A method of using ophthalmic devices, said method comprising:
 implanting said ophthalmic device within an eye; 
 
       wherein said ophthalmic devices are manufactured from one or more polymeric compositions produced through a polymerization of one or more macromonomers having a formula of                  
 
       wherein the R groups are the same or different; each R group is selected from the group consisting of                  
                 
 
       R 1  is an aromatic-based substituent or an alkyl; x is a non-negative integer, and y is a natural number; 
       said polymerization being carried out by pouring said one or more polymeric compositions into a mold prior to curing; curing said one or more polymeric compositions; and removing said one or more polymeric compositions from said mold following curing thereof. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  or  2  wherein said ophthalmic device is an intraocular lens or corneal inlay. 
     
     
       4. A method of using ophthalmic devices, said method comprising:
 implanting said ophthalmic device within an eye; 
 
       wherein said ophthalmic devices are manufactured from polymeric compositions produced through a polymerization of one or more macromonomers having a formula of                  
 
       wherein the R groups are the same or different; each R group comprises an aromatic group having a linking group that covalently attaches the aromatic group to a silicon atom; R 1  is an aromatic-based substituent or an alkyl; x is a non-negative integer; and y is a natural number; and wherein an attachment of the aromatic group to the silicon atom results from a hydrosilylation of an allylic functional group on the aromatic group. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 4 , wherein said ophthalmic device is an intraocular lens or corneal inlay.